Quite honestly dont know,haven`t been in Germany for a good long while,however when I was there last (late 80s)we spent most of the time in the field,one squadron or another,and we didnt have fax machines or computers in the CPs but we always had a radio(ghetto blaster not clansmen,although we did have them as well!)so it was a handy way to get Met daily.

Dont know if this was the sole reason,maybe someone else can shed more light.

Dead right, we carry on with it so that any senior officers still allowed rides in helicopters can argue the toss with aircraft commanders before a task as it said it was ok on the forecast.......plus the Met office like it and it does no one any harm......might still be of use a few weeks of the year as well.